AUD signs agreement with Emirates Marine Environmental Group

Dr. Lance E. de Masi, President of AUD and Major Ali Saqar Sultan Al Suweidi, President of EMEG inked the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on January 21, 2013 at the AUD campus, to increase awareness on environmental matters through education, research and other activities.

Joining the signing ceremony were several AUD staff and faculty members including Dr. Khalid Khawaja, Associate Dean of the School of Engineering, Dr. Elias Saqan, Chair of the Civil Engineering Department, Dr. Meis Moukayed, Associate Professor of Natural Sciences, Ms. Rachel Baldwin, Dean of Student Services, Ms. Jennifer Sheldon, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, and Ms. Peggy Awad, Director of External Relations. Major Al Suweidi was accompanied by his team members including Ms. Caroline Sanderson, EMEG Project Coordinator.

"AUD's mission guides everything it does. In signing this agreement with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group, AUD is strengthening its commitment to excellence in teaching and learning by offering its community of students and scholars the opportunity to widen horizons through research, curriculum enhancement and applied knowledge. It's also a great opportunity for the university to give back to the community in return for the many benefits it derives from its location in the UAE," comments President de Masi.

EMEG maintains a coastal sanctuary and reserve at the western border of Dubai at Ghantout. The area is used as a base to develop and organize educational camps to increase awareness and understanding of environmental issues and local biodiversity. P

art of the agreement with AUD, students and staff will have the opportunity to attend these programs, as well discover pearl diving - from a traditional pearl diving dhow based at the Palm Jebel Ali where extensive pearl oyster beds have developed, enjoy traditional cooking and take part in traditional games.

Other activities also included AUD student involvement in environmental projects with EMEG, visits to the EMEG center for awareness, and classroom lectures from EMEG on this subject.

Within its structured educational programs, EMEG focuses on the cultural heritage of the UAE and incorporates traditional values and skills into each activity.

According to Major Al Suweidi, "at EMEG we hope to involve as many students as possible in our programs, especially here in Dubai. We have amazing marine life in the UAE and educating students on these treasures and caring about nature and the environment is crucial. We are extremely happy to be partnering with AUD in this regard and look forward to hosting many events together."

For its part of the agreement, AUD will explore joint events/activities, engage its students and faculty in environmental projects, and pave the way for exchange of knowledge between both parties.

Dr. Meis Moukayed, Associate Professor of Natural Sciences at AUD, who put this initiative in motion, explains, "We are delighted to sign this agreement with EMEG. This consolidates our commitment at AUD to environmental education and community outreach. The opportunities that are available through this collaboration are great and diverse. The collaboration provides all members of AUD an opportunity to engage in educational, research and hand-on activities and be involved in real tangible projects in conservation and sustainability. We live in a beautiful country, the UAE, and have incredible marine habitats and coastline in Dubai with fascinating biodiversity. It will be very educational and gratifying for us to exchange knowledge with EMEG in the area of sustainability and to contribute to environmental conservation efforts within our UAE community."